● Council of the EU - Press material - Saturday, 08 August 2026 - International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2026: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

 

Press material Saturday, 08 August 2026

● Council of the EU   08/08/2026 14:11 | Statements and remarks | International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2026: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union   Indigenous Peoples face persistent discrimination across the world, including disproportionate barriers to healthcare and poorer health outcomes. Indigenous women and girls are particularly affected. They frequently face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that limit their access to quality healthcare, education and economic opportunities, while increasing their exposure to violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, and harmful practices. In its General Recommendation number 39, adopted in 2022, 'The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has consistently identified patterns of discrimination faced by Indigenous women and girls in the exercise of their human rights, and the factors that continue to exacerbate discrimination against them'. And yet, Indigenous women play a vital role as leaders, and custodians of Indigenous Peoples' cultures, languages and knowledge. They play an important role in promoting right to health, including sexual health and reproductive health for Indigenous women. That is why this year’s International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples is dedicated specifically to the role of Indigenous midwives and the work they do in safeguarding life and the well-being of those in their care. The European Union remains committed to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the outcomes of their review conferences, and remains committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights, in this context. Having that in mind, the European Union also reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right of every individual to have full control over, and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion and violence. On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we reaffirm our support for Indigenous Peoples within and beyond the EU’s borders, and to respect, protect and fulfil their rights as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and under international human rights law.